Critics assail bill to require English-only driver's exams

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Critics are assailing a bill that would require would-be motorists in Nebraska to take driver's exams in English.

The proposal before a legislative committee met strong opposition Tuesday from Latino advocacy groups and organizations that work with immigrants and refugees.

Sen. Dave Bloomfield of Hoskins, a retired truck driver, says he sponsored the bill to ensure that all drivers can read and understand road signs.

Adrian Sanchez, chairman of the Nebraska Latino American Commission, says the measure creates an unnecessary barrier for people who just arrived in the country, and could lead many to drive unlicensed.

Darcy Tromanhauser, an advocate for immigrants with the group Nebraska Appleseed, says some people already speak English may still feel more comfortable taking exams in their native language.